Alaska gets millions of visitors a year, and most of those visitors come during the summer. I’m guessing many of those people, including you, are wondering what to pack for summer vacation in Alaska. Check out the packing list below to find out!
What should I wear in Alaska during the summer?
Whether you’re coming to Alaska on your dream vacation, visiting relatives, or coming up for a summer job, one of the main things you’ll need to figure out is what to wear. A lot of this will depend on what activities you’ll be doing, what area of the state you’ll be visiting, and what temperatures you are acclimated to. But, there are a few main things everyone should pack that you’ll see on the checklist below.
Layers
No matter what area you plan on visiting, you’ll need layers. The weather is unpredictable and can change rapidly, even in the summer. You can make some general guesses about weather depending on what area you’re going to (Fairbanks will get hotter than most of Alaska during summer, Southeast Alaska will likely have rain, etc), but layering up will get you through a variety of weather changes. Along with jeans, t-shirts, and everyday clothes, I’d suggest bringing the following items.
- Rain jacket-Purchase a rain jacket that is waterproof, not just water resistant, to throw on over your clothes when the rain starts pouring. This will be helpful for the wind as well, especially if you’re on a glacier and wildlife cruise.
- Sweatshirt-A hooded sweatshirt or pullover is a great layer to go on top of a t-shirt or other everyday clothes. The Midnight Sun does keep it warm out for much of the day when it’s sunny, but when the sun goes down the temperature really drops.
- Shorts-Yes, you can wear shorts in Alaska! It does get hot enough to wear short. Depending on the temperature you’re used to, it might be worth your while to pack some summery clothes like shorts and tank tops to stay cool on your vacation. Just check the packing tips below, and this post about mosquitos, before you venture out with your shorts on.
Accessories
There are a few smaller things you’ll need to add to your Alaska summer vacation packing list.
- Hats-You’ll definitely want to bring a baseball hat with you to shade your eyes from the sun. And, on the opposite end, if you tend to run cold or are from a very warm climate, bring a beanie to wear if you plan on being on or near glaciers as it will be ice, ice cold!
- Sunglasses-The Midnight Sun is no joke, so bring a good pair of shades with you!
- Eye Mask-This is something I wouldn’t normally think about since you get somewhat used to the 24/7 summer sun living here. But, bringing an eye mask to get some shut eye, and following these tips, will help you get a restful nights sleep on your vacation.
Footwear
What footwear you bring will obviously depend on what activities you plan on doing, but there’s a good chance you’ll be putting on some miles during your trip no matter what adventures you have.
- Sneakers-Bringing along the shoes you would normally wear to go for a walk is a good plan. Make sure they’re broken in so you don’t get sore feet while you’re out and about.
- Camp Shoes/Flip Flops/Crocs-If you’re going to spend time camping or just want some comfy shoes to lounge around in at the end of the day, I’d suggest bringing some camp shoes. You’ll want flip flops if you need to use campground showers, and Crocs are my daily go-tos for comfort.
- Hiking Boots-If you’ll be stepping off the beaten path (and chances are you will be), I recommend bringing some hiking boots that you’ve already broken in. Make sure you have good ankle support and that they fit you comfortably.
What additional items should I add to my Alaska packing list?
There are a few other necessities that you’ll want to have on your trip to Alaska. Some of these you can just buy here, but others you may want to pack with.
- Bug Spray-Avoid the constant fight with Alaska’s state bird, the mosquito, and purchase some bug spray. Following these tips will help you as well.
- Bug Net-Are they attractive? Nope. Do they work amazingly well? Yes! This one works great and will be the best few dollars you’ve ever spent!
- Sunscreen-Even on the colder summer days it’s always good to use sunscreen (and don’t forget to reapply!). If you plan on being on the water fishing or on a glacier and wildlife cruise it’s especially important to wear sunscreen due to the reflection from the water. The last thing you want to do is ruin your vacation with a sunburn! (Plus, no one will believe you really got a sunburn in Alaska!)
- Water Bottle-Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Bring a bottle and fill it up whenever you have the opportunity. Check out this American Made bottle here!
- Wet Ones-Wondering why you’ll need to carry wipes around with you? Check out my post on “Things You Shouldn’t Do When Visiting Alaska” to find out!
- Binoculars-There are so many thing to see in Alaska, and you’ll likely get to see a variety of them up close. But, for those ones that are just too far away or to see wildlife at a safe distance, I highly recommend bringing binoculars.
- Charger-Bring a portable charger/power bank to charge your phone, camera, or other devices when your away from outlets or your vehicle.
Do I need to pack any speciality gear for my trip to Alaska?
Nope, you shouldn’t have to! But, just to be sure, I’d check with any guide services you might have booked with incase you need to bring some extra adventure gear with you. If you’ve booked a fishing charter, glacier jet ski cruise, four wheeling tour, or other activity, chances are they will provide the gear you need for your excursion. To be on the safe side, though, I’d confirm with the company beforehand just to make sure.
I hope this list has helped you figure out what to pack for a summer vacation in Alaska, and has you more excited than ever to prepare for your trip! If you have any question about Alaska feel free to ask them in the comments below, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
